Jen Turano (2015)
Genre
Historical Fiction / Romance
Reading Time
6-7 hours
Key Themes
See below
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A spirited nanny and a stoic guardian are forced together to care for three mischievous orphans, only to find that their unexpected bond helps them solve a mystery and discover love in Gilded Age society.
Millie Longfellow, an energetic and unusual nanny who loves playful antics, finds herself in a familiar situation: she's been fired again. She truly cares for children, but her methods often don't fit the strict social rules of her wealthy employers. Her latest dismissal leaves her sad but not defeated; she still wants to prove she can provide excellent care. She returns to Mrs. Witherbottom's employment agency, hoping for another chance, though her reputation for being 'difficult' makes new jobs hard to find.
Everett Mulberry, a rising figure in New York society, unexpectedly becomes the guardian of his late cousin's three children: the mischievous twins, William and Walter, and their older sister, Daisy. The children, still grieving and known for elaborate pranks, have driven away many nannies. Everett is frustrated and desperate. He is preparing for the summer season in Newport, Rhode Island, where he hopes to improve his social standing and investigate the mysterious details of his cousin's death. The urgent need for good childcare threatens his plans, and he is running out of options from the city's top agencies.
Frustrated with both Millie's unusual approach and Everett's demanding expectations, Mrs. Witherbottom, the strict head of the employment agency, makes a bold suggestion. She proposes Millie take the challenging nanny position for Everett's three wards. Both Millie and Everett are hesitant at first, having heard negative things about each other. Millie fears Everett's reputation for being rigid, while Everett is wary of Millie's past dismissals. However, with no other choices and summer nearing, they reluctantly agree to a trial, setting the stage for an unexpected partnership.
Millie, along with William, Walter, and Daisy, travels to Everett's grand summer home in Newport, Rhode Island. The children, initially cautious and still reeling from their parents' loss, test Millie's patience with pranks and defiance. But Millie's genuine warmth, playful nature, and refusal to be easily scared slowly start to win them over. She introduces games and activities that capture their imaginations, bringing a sense of fun and stability they've lacked. Everett, meanwhile, is busy with his social duties and his initial doubts about Millie's skills, leaving her mostly alone with the children.
Millie continues to win over the children. She discovers William's interest in science, encourages Walter's art, and helps Daisy cope with her grief and shyness. She brings energy to the house, changing the once sad atmosphere into one filled with laughter and creativity. The children, who had pushed away every previous nanny, now trust Millie completely, confiding in her and wanting to spend time with her. This growing bond strengthens Millie's desire to stay in their lives, even as she deals with Everett's distant manner and the challenges of her job.
Despite his early doubts and focus on social climbing, Everett notices the remarkable change in his wards. The children, once unruly and withdrawn, are now happier, more involved, and much better behaved under Millie's care. He observes Millie's unique way of connecting with them, her constant patience, and her true affection. These observations slowly challenge his fixed ideas about her and his own priorities. He begins to see Millie not just as a capable employee, but as an essential part of his household and the children's well-being.
While handling his social duties in Newport, Everett spends much time investigating the suspicious circumstances of the children's parents' deaths. He finds inconsistencies and veiled threats, suggesting their deaths might not have been accidental. His investigation leads him to question members of the Newport elite, some of whom seem to be hiding secrets. This search for justice is driven by his duty to his wards and a wish to protect them from any remaining danger. He becomes increasingly focused on this mystery, sometimes neglecting his immediate family life.
As summer goes on, the initial professional distance between Millie and Everett lessens. They talk more often, discussing the children's progress and sharing observations. Everett starts to value Millie's insights and her uncommon wisdom, while Millie sees glimpses of a kind and caring man beneath his reserved exterior. Moments of shared laughter and real concern for the children change their dynamic, hinting at a connection beyond their work roles. Both find themselves increasingly drawn to the other's unique qualities.
Everett's investigation into his cousin's death takes a dangerous turn when he uncovers evidence of financial fraud and a conspiracy involving powerful people. This discovery puts him, and by extension, the children and Millie, at risk. Subtle threats become more open dangers, making the safety of his household his top concern. Millie, unaware of the full danger, notices strange events and increased tension in the house, becoming more protective of the children and worried about Everett's distracted state.
The growing threats lead to a frightening incident that directly endangers the children and Millie. A deliberate act, perhaps a staged accident or an attempted kidnapping, narrowly misses its target but leaves everyone shaken. This near-tragedy is a harsh wake-up call for Everett. He realizes that his pursuit of social status and justice, while important, has overshadowed his most vital responsibilities: the safety and well-being of his wards and the woman who has become so important to their lives. He must confront the true meaning of family and the company he truly wants to keep.
After the danger, Everett drops his social pretenses and finally faces his true feelings for Millie. He tells her he loves her and wants her to be a permanent part of his and the children's lives. At the same time, he gathers enough evidence to expose and bring to justice those behind his cousin's death and the threats. Solving the mystery brings closure and safety, allowing Everett to focus fully on rebuilding his family with Millie at its center. The children, seeing Everett's devotion, are thrilled that Millie will stay.
With the mystery solved and their love declared, Millie and Everett begin a new chapter. Everett lets go of his obsession with social approval, realizing that true happiness comes from the love and companionship of his family. Millie, finally finding a place where her unique spirit is cherished, embraces her role in the Mulberry household. They commit to building a life together, putting the children's happiness and their own unconventional family ahead of society's strict expectations. Their journey ends with the promise of a future filled with love, laughter, and real connection.
The Protagonist
Millie learns to trust her instincts and finds a family where her unconventional nature is celebrated and loved, fulfilling her deepest desire for belonging.
The Protagonist
Everett learns to prioritize love and family over social status and material success, opening his heart to Millie and embracing a more emotionally fulfilling life.
The Supporting
William transitions from mischievous and grieving to engaged and happier under Millie's influence.
The Supporting
Walter finds an outlet for his emotions and a source of comfort in Millie, allowing him to express himself and heal.
The Supporting
Daisy moves from quiet grief to finding comfort and happiness through Millie's presence.
The Supporting
Mrs. Witherbottom maintains her role as a professional matchmaker, her wisdom indirectly leading to the protagonists' happiness.
The Mentioned
Not applicable, as he is deceased.
The novel explores how family is defined by love, care, and constant presence, not just blood. Millie, an orphan, seeks a family where she belongs and finds it with Everett and the children. Everett, initially focused on social duties and legal guardianship, learns that true family means prioritizing emotional well-being and his own heart. The Mulberry home changes from a place of sadness and formality to one of warmth and laughter, showing how Millie's love creates a true home. This is clear when Millie connects with the children's interests, like William's science, and comforts Daisy, becoming a mother figure.
“Perhaps a family was not just blood, but the people who chose to stay, who fought for your laughter and dried your tears.”
The story highlights the strict social expectations of the Gilded Age and how they often conflict with personal desires and happiness. Everett initially seeks social status and appearances, which often blinds him to his wards' emotional needs and his growing feelings for Millie. Millie, in contrast, often defies these norms with her playful and unusual methods, frequently getting fired for her authenticity. The conflict between these forces is central to Everett's journey; he must ultimately choose between a life dictated by society and one built on love and genuine connection. His internal struggle during Newport's social season, compared to his observations of Millie's joy with the children, illustrates this theme.
“Sometimes, the grandest houses held the emptiest hearts, unless someone brave enough dared to fill them with joy.”
The Mulberry children are introduced as deeply grieving their parents' sudden loss, which shows in their mischievous behavior and withdrawal. Millie's arrival brings a healing presence, helping them process their emotions in a healthy way. Her patient, understanding, and fun-loving approach provides a safe space for them to express sadness and gradually find joy again. Everett also deals with his cousin's death, channeling his grief into an investigation. The novel shows that healing requires empathy, connection, and support, not just moving on. Millie's gentle talks with Daisy about her parents and her playful distractions for the twins are key examples of this theme.
“Laughter was not a betrayal of sorrow, but a whisper of hope that joy could still be found.”
Millie Longfellow embodies the strength of unconventional thinking and action in a world that values conformity. Her playful, imaginative, and empathetic approach to childcare is initially seen as a drawback by society's elite, leading to her frequent dismissals. However, these very 'unconventional' qualities allow her to break through the children's defenses and eventually win Everett's heart. The story champions the idea that true connection and effectiveness often come from stepping outside rigid norms and embracing one's unique strengths, rather than strictly following established rules. Millie's success where other, more 'proper' nannies failed, especially with the mischievous twins, highlights this theme.
“Sometimes, the rules needed a good shaking up to reveal what truly mattered beneath.”
The three mischievous Mulberry children act as a catalyst for change.
The children—William, Walter, and Daisy—serve as a crucial plot device. Their unruly behavior and success in driving away numerous nannies create the desperate situation that forces Mrs. Witherbottom to pair Millie and Everett. Their initial resistance and eventual adoration for Millie are central to her character development and Everett's transformation. They act as a mirror, reflecting Everett's initial emotional distance and later his growing capacity for love, while also providing the primary motivation for Millie's persistent dedication and her desire to find a true home.
Mrs. Witherbottom's agency acts as a narrative bottleneck and matchmaker.
Mrs. Witherbottom's employment agency functions as a bottleneck and a critical point of intersection for the protagonists. By being the only agency willing to give Millie another chance and the only one left with a nanny for Everett, it forces their paths to cross. Mrs. Witherbottom herself, with her stern but insightful nature, acts as an external force pushing them together, recognizing a potential match that neither Millie nor Everett would have considered independently. The agency's rules and the characters' reputations within it drive much of the initial conflict and setup.
The suspicious circumstances of the children's parents' death provide external conflict and stakes.
The mysterious death of the children's parents serves as a significant external plot device. It provides Everett with a compelling subplot and a driving motivation beyond simply caring for his wards. This mystery introduces elements of suspense, danger, and intrigue, raising the stakes for Everett, the children, and eventually Millie. It allows for Everett to demonstrate his protective instincts and ultimately forces him to confront his priorities when the danger directly threatens his nascent family, acting as a catalyst for his emotional breakthrough.
The social setting provides a backdrop for Everett's aspirations and a contrast to Millie's nature.
Newport society, with its strict rules, elaborate events, and focus on status, functions as a setting that highlights Everett's initial values and provides a stark contrast to Millie's free spirit. It is the arena where Everett seeks to solidify his social standing and where the investigation into his cousin's death unfolds. The pressures and expectations of this society are a constant source of internal conflict for Everett, forcing him to choose between external validation and internal happiness. It also provides opportunities for Millie to subtly challenge norms and showcase her genuine character.
“Perhaps I should have been more specific and mentioned that I also preferred my gentlemen to be able to string two words together without sounding as if they’d suffered a severe blow to the head.”
— Lady Eliza is reflecting on her undesirable suitors.
“A woman who could manage a household and converse intelligently about more than just fashion and gossip was a rare and precious commodity.”
— Mr. Archer is observing Lady Eliza's capabilities.
“There was a fine line between being a dutiful daughter and allowing one's life to be utterly dictated by another.”
— Lady Eliza contemplates her family obligations.
“One could not simply wish away unpleasantness. Sometimes, one had to face it head-on, even if it meant a bit of discomfort.”
— Lady Eliza considers a difficult conversation.
“It was astounding how much more clearly one could think when not surrounded by the incessant chatter and expectations of society.”
— Lady Eliza finds solace in a quieter environment.
“True strength wasn't about never falling, but about rising every single time you did.”
— A moment of encouragement or self-reflection.
“He found himself continually surprised by her, a sensation he rather enjoyed, despite his usual preference for predictability.”
— Mr. Archer's evolving feelings for Lady Eliza.
“Sometimes the greatest adventures began with the most unassuming of invitations.”
— Lady Eliza embarks on a new chapter in her life.
“A good laugh, she decided, was often the best remedy for a troubled mind.”
— Lady Eliza finds comfort in humor.
“It was not enough to merely exist; one ought to live, truly live, with purpose and joy.”
— Lady Eliza's personal philosophy on life.
“He might have been a man of logic and order, but even he could appreciate the unexpected beauty of a woman's spirit.”
— Mr. Archer's internal thoughts about Lady Eliza.
“The world was full of possibilities, if only one dared to look beyond the confines of what was expected.”
— Lady Eliza considers unconventional choices.
“Sometimes, the most valuable lessons were learned not in drawing rooms, but in the quiet moments of observation and reflection.”
— Lady Eliza's insights from her experiences.
“He found her candor refreshing, a stark contrast to the polite obfuscations he was accustomed to in society.”
— Mr. Archer's appreciation for Lady Eliza's honesty.
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